Readers Guide: Dave Barry's latest novel ‘Insane City’ at Library

When Seth Weinstein and his three friends, known as the Groom Posse, head to Florida for his destination wedding to debutant socialite Tina Clark, he survives the prank they set up for him at baggage claim with a major case of embarrassment but relatively unscathed. Truly believing the wedding will go off as planned, hapless ...

Comment

By Susie Stooksbury/Special to The Oak Ridger

Oakridger - Oak Ridge, TN

By Susie Stooksbury/Special to The Oak Ridger

Posted Feb. 27, 2013 at 7:43 PM
Updated Feb 27, 2013 at 7:46 PM

By Susie Stooksbury/Special to The Oak Ridger

Posted Feb. 27, 2013 at 7:43 PM
Updated Feb 27, 2013 at 7:46 PM

When Seth Weinstein and his three friends, known as the Groom Posse, head to Florida for his destination wedding to debutant socialite Tina Clark, he survives the prank they set up for him at baggage claim with a major case of embarrassment but relatively unscathed. Truly believing the wedding will go off as planned, hapless Seth steps off the plane in Miami and into “Insane City,” Dave Barry's latest novel, where our bridegroom hero will have to deal with not only his parents and his future-in-laws, but also Russian mobsters, angry strippers, Haitian refugees and a Burmese python named Blossom.

While most of us would classify accounts of violent crime as fodder for the tabloids, the fact of the matter is that stories about true crime sell — in books, magazines, TV and the movies. Bill James looks at the long, checkered history of violent crime in this country — how it is investigated and how it is reported — and comments on what that says about our justice system and ourselves in “Popular Crime: Reflections on the Celebration of Violence” (364.109).

“Indiscretion” marks the promising fiction debut of Charles Dubow. The story of the Winslows, Harry and Maddy, is an old tale but one well-told. Harry is a National Book award winner on the edge of fame while his wife Maddy is an heiress. A golden and charismatic couple, they truly love each other. Then young, beautiful Claire comes into their sphere and sets in motion a chain of events that will change all their lives.

Despite the rise of mega stores like Barnes & Noble and the advent of digital books, small, independent bookstores are still around and doing a robust business. In “My Bookstore” (381.450), 84 of our most talented writers talk about the bookstores that have played a central part in their careers and in their lives as they “celebrate their favorite places to browse, read, and shop.”

Open any magazine or newspaper and you will probably see a list of foods that help cure and/or prevent just about every malady and condition. David Gotto, a registered dietician and bestselling author, goes one step further in his new book, “The Best Thing to Eat” (613.200). Here he actually ranks food. Need some vitamin D? Milk is good, but trout is better. Have an upset stomach? Jello will work, but an apple or applesauce will help you more.

“Fatherless” is Dr. James Dobson's first foray into fiction and the beginning of a planned trilogy. It is set in America in 2041 — a time when money is valued more greatly than life. The majority of the population is now elderly or disabled. Viewed as “debits” since their existence is creating a financial crisis in the country, they have the opportunity to become “heroes” by choosing to “transition” — agreeing to assisted suicide. Reporter Julia Davidson hopes to revive her career with an article in favor of transitioning — but her beliefs begin to waiver when her investigation forces her to take a closer, harder look at the issue.